bowdoinham's Age-Friendly initiative
earns aarp-Maine Beacon Award

Age-Friendly Bowdoinham has been selected to receive AARP's 2025 Beacon Award, a prestigious honor celebrating communities that go above and beyond in making life better for residents of all ages.

Since joining the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities in 2015, this dedicated group of volunteers has been working to make Bowdoinham a place where everyone—regardless of age or ability—can thrive.

Working closely with town officials  – including the Recreation Department, Public Works, the Planning Board, the Code Enforcement Department, and the Comprehensive Planning Committee – the Age-Friendly team has focused on making it easier for people to be as engaged in community life as they want to be. 

Public buildings, voting locations, community meals, and outdoor spaces are now more accessible and welcoming. Monthly luncheons, game days, and walking groups give neighbors a chance to connect and build friendships. 

Age-Friendly Bowdoinham has also earned a seat at the table in municipal planning discussions, bringing important perspectives on housing, walkability, and emergency preparedness. Recent wins include making the new waterfront park and kayak launch fully accessible, adding benches downtown in spots residents where actually wanted them, and improving the annual Celebrate Bowdoinham event with convenient drop-off parking and seating under a tent. While people visit, they can also play games, work on a puzzle, or just chat. 

One of their proudest moments came this year: the ribbon-cutting for the library's new accessible entrance — a milestone that was years in the making, achieved through persistent collaboration with town leaders.

The committee has helped spark other programs too, like the Handy Brigade, which assists people with household tasks, and Rides in Neighbors Cars, a volunteer transportation service for medical appointments, errands, and social outings.

Chair Maureen Booth coordinates meals and leads the transportation program, representing the many dedicated volunteers who make this important work happen.

Through changes in town leadership and committee membership over the years, Age-Friendly Bowdoinham has kept the momentum going, consistently creating programs that make a real difference in people's lives.